Canada is among the most visited country in the international and regional, international, and regional tourists, due to the scenic views, urban centers, and diverse cultural attractions. For one planning on driving a car in Canada the question that comes to mind is “Is it legal for a non resident to drive in Canada?” Of course there are, but allow me to draw your attention to some of the rules and regulation that you need to observe before you go for a drive. In this article, you will learn about Canadian auto insurance and driving rules for international drivers, how to rent a car in Canada, and what documents are required from an international driver.
1. Am I Required to Have a Canadian Driver’s Licence?
In fact, as a visitor you do not need to possess a Canadian driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle in Canada. Those holding a valid driver’s license from their home country, they can use the license for a limited period. All provinces permit the use of a foreign driver’s license for up to six months while most provinces allow Driving with an International Driving Permit. However, it may take a different time in different provinces or territories and thus one has to check the current law before hitting the road.
2. International Driving Permit
But you may need an IDP if your valid foreign driver’s license is in a language other than English or French since those are the official languages of Canada. An IDP is a translation of your home country’s license and enables a person to drive in foreign countries. An IDP is not always necessary, but it will be very useful when there is some misunderstanding because of the language, when people meet the police, or when renting a car.
3. Car Rentals for Visitors
If you are not going to be driving your own car, car rental is also easy in Canada. Majority of car rental firms let visitors with a valid foreign driver’s license and IDP (where necessary) drive a car. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when renting a car as a visitor:
- Age Requirements: You must be 21 to rent a car in Canada but some companies may hire only those who are 25 years and above. Young drivers under 25 years old might also pay an extra fee.
- Credit Card: In most of the car rental companies in Canada, a major credit card is required for the hiring of a car. Credit cards may not be accepted for the security deposits for rentals.
- Insurance: Rental companies provide insurance that is not mandatory but you should find out if your personal insurance or credit card comes with an auto insurance policy while in a foreign country. Sometimes it may help you save from being overcharged on insurance that you may have been subscribed to.
4. Car Insurance for Visitors
Car insurance is compulsory when driving in Canada. In case you are hiring a car, the car rental agency will present you with insurance options that you can accept or reject when you are booking the car or when you are picking the car. But if you’re using a car owned by friends or relatives, ensure they have included you in their insurance policy.
When you use your own care upon entering Canada, it is advised that your insurance policy should be able to cover international risks or you take another for the time you are in Canada. It is even prohibited by the law in the country not to have sufficient insurance while driving in Canada, and it attracts fines and penalties.
5. Automobile and Road Safety in Canada
Canada is very strict on some of the laws it has put in place regarding road safety thus any person intending to travel to Canada should ensure that he or she acquaints himself or herself with the laws so that to avoid being on the wrong side of the law. Here are some of the key driving laws and regulations you need to know:
- Speed Limits: The use of the speed limit in Canada is in kilometers per hour (km/h). These differ by country but they are 50 km per hour in cities, and between 80 and 100 km per hour on the expressways. One should however pay attention on the road sign and that of its particular speed limit so that one does not over speed.
- Seat Belts: It is mandatory that any person that is in a car must wear a seat belt in order to minimize on cases of ejection from a car in cases of an accident. Failing to wear a seat belt attracts fines.
- Driving Under the Influence: Canada has very strict laws in the sense that the law frowns at anyone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08 percent. But there are provinces that have lower standard, and penalties for DUI are steep including fines, suspension of a driver’s license or imprisonment.
- Use of Mobile Phones: Distraction while driving is prohibited in Canada. Driving while using a mobile phone irrespective of the fact that it is hand’s free is a legal offense that attracts fines and demerit points.
- Winter Driving: If you are planning your trip to Canada during the winter months, be ready for a difficult road experience. Hazardous road conditions include snow, ice or frost on the road, and conditions which reduce visibility such as fog. Winter tires are required on some provinces including Quebec from December 1 to March 15. See that you select a car that has winter wheels particularly if you are planning to drive in the snowy regions.
6. Special Driving Regulations in Provinces
All provinces and territories in Canada have different rules regarding driving. For example, in BC, people are allowed to drive with a foreign license as long as the license is still valid for up to six months; the same as in Ontario where the visitors are allowed to drive for up to 60 days. Tourists in Quebec can drive with their foreign license if they have an IDP with them. One should conduct a study on the laws of the particular province or territory he or she intends to visit with a view of observing the laws.
7. Taking a Car into Another Country
By and large, if you are driving into Canada from the United States or any neighboring country, it is usually not a hassle. This will require you to have a passport and where necessary a visa based on the country you come from. Ensure that you are carrying registration and insurance cards because the border control in Canada may ask for them.
Learn more about the import restrictions on items that you are permitted to import into Canada especially when it comes to alcoholic beverages, tobacco products or firearms. Canada has strict laws on these items and if you do not declare these items you might face a hefty fine or even prosecution.
8. Conclusion
Nonetheless, driving in Canada is relatively easy for a visitor to do so long as they will bear a few things in mind. If you have an international license or a foreign license, it is legal to drive a car for sightseeing marvels in the country. As it is with every other country remember to obey traffic laws, have adequate insurance, and if you are going when it is winter it will be icy.
